So for years I used my Apple Watch Series 6 everyday and kept my Garmin Fenix 5 plus for runs and workouts.. With the Ultra I thought I'd be able to finally combine the 2 and be ok training with that.. It's a great watch for the battery life alone as I don't mind charging it every other day or so but it still felt like something was missing after running with it that sent me back to the same ol routine with my Fenix... I missed the specific training points that all show in the Garmin app which outlines how I ran and not just the fact that I did. I believe that's the key difference between the 2 that you pointed out and its greatly appreciated .. The Apple Watch is a great tracker if you're only interested in staying active but for training you'll either need to purchase an additional app or subscribe to something else for the additional data.. I'd rather have it all wrapped in one package... Looking for a second hand Epix now because if I spend $1000 on yet another watch I'll also need a divorce... Cheers
Agreed. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if I decide to get an Epix again (or a Fenix), especially if I can find a good second-hand one. But I’m trying to make the AWU work for now: apps are definitely less expensive than another device, at least in the short term.
One of my biggest gripes was the accuracy of Garmin. I did literally the same you did here but almost all of last year (AW7 and Epix then AWU and Epix) since the Epix is all day HR I didn’t know they use a low accuracy mode for the lights all day unless it’s an activity or you open the heart rate widget. This meant that sometimes I would see my HR at around 100-120 knowing/feeling/and manually testing I was around 75-85bpm. Once I would open the heart rate widget it would plummet from 120 to the actual 75-85 bpm. Because of that ALL the other metrics are not as accurate which affects Training readiness, recovery, stress, body battery. Everything! I loved my Epix but ended up with AW as the measurements were always spot on, albeit not 24/7. Awesome, review!! Thank you!
This does not happen on my Garmin. My out of activity heart rate readings are accurate and don't contain any spikes like I assume you are referring to.
@@Fozzee.1970 interesting! I’ve had 7XSS, Custom Raw titanium Epix, SS Epix, Carbón Grey Epix, regular 7 haha you get the idea. And I always noticed the HR would be off often unless I opened the widget. I thought it was something I was doing wrong but I tried every possible scenario to mitigate the off HR but nothing
@@MigRx when you look at the widget what does your heart rate history look like out of activity? For example I finished an activity 3 hours ago and my heart rate has been stable since showijg expected readings.
@@Fozzee.1970 it’s constant but higher than my actual heart rate usually. I noticed it read higher when I stand and walk let’s say. Almost like a delayed reading. However if I’m sitting and I move a lot and physically feel my HR being higher, it still won’t show anything past my resting HR. Let’s say I get out of my car when I arrive home, I’ll walk to my house and readings say 110-115 yet I can test right away with my fingers and the beats are around 70ish. If I open the heart rate widget then the HR sharply drops to reflect my actual HR in the moment
Super analysiert! Ich hatte beide Uhren und wollte der Apple Watch wirklich eine Chance geben, aber, für mich, kann sie einfach nichts. Sie musste gehen und die Epix ist geblieben.
(Ich antworte mit Google Translate. Tut mir leid, wenn sich das komisch anhört.) Vielen Dank für die freundlichen Worte! The Epix ist eine fantastische Wahl, und ich habe tatsächlich 2 Enden gedreht, darunter eines, in dem ich mich für Epix entschieden habe, weil ich mich bis zu diesem Tag nicht entschieden habe. Ehrlich gesagt, der einzige Grund, warum ich nicht beide behalten habe, waren die Kosten. Ich teste die Apps, um zu sehen, ob sie so gut sind wie das, was Garmin anbietet. manche sind es, die meisten nicht. Aber ich werde vielleicht nachgeben und für meine Fitnesssachen zu Epix zurückkehren. (oder zumindest der Garmin Instinct 2).
I have both. Apple Watch is nothing but bigger then all the other Apple Watches. For running or walking it is great having cellular on your wrist and not having to bring a phone is a free feeling. However, when ever I go outside into the woods or anywhere I need mapping and tracking off road I bring the epix. The epix is a much more focused watch on outdoor adventure and tracking in all areas.
I agree, though the AWU also includes a better battery, better build, features for divers, and at least one extra safety feature (the siren), so there’s more than just size. As for hiking, Mapping using WorkOutDoors has worked well for me, but it’s definitely no Garmin: I have yet to see anything that good on a watch. Still, at $6, it may be the best value in the App Store.
That is a major reason I still have my Epix2. I do a lot off off roading, camping, "overlanding" and when camping I love to go on long hikes, I have a lot more faith in my Garmin for those knowing I have maps and can accurately get back if I wasn't paying attention for a bit of time... it's like a safety net.
I switched for Epix 2 from Apple because I needed a 100% a smart watch :) AppleWatch is great Notification Center on the wrist, yes I could disable them, yes you can run witch, plus many yes. After using all AW since series 3 switching to Epix 2 become great experience, I do mostly walking and bike -OMG! First time to understand logic how to set & navigate was a challenge :) but this about inspiration I was looking for a long time, challenge to understand menu, philosophy behind Apple and garmin ecosystem. I found your review inspirational for those who already chose and those who didn’t as you said - buy 2 watches :) this is something my girl friend advised me :) thanks for great video 😊
Thank you for the kind words, and I’m happy you liked it! Truthfully, although I selected one… I’m about this close to getting the other again, because I really enjoyed both!
I have both as well and the epix pro gen 2 is the one I wear the most. The AWU is a great smart watch, but in the backcountry it drops signal fast and the maps aren't great, plus you have to pre load them. The battery life isn't even close.
I am looking for a good smart watch with all the options....must have good golf feature also and the other health monitoring....plus good day to day watch for steps / distance etc.........curious on your recommendation or anyone else with some advice.....cheers all from Canada
Hey, VernonGolfer. Hopefully someone can chime in and help. Unfortunately, golf is not my game, and the best I can do is point you toward the Garmin Approach. It’s got all the features of a Garmin plus preloaded golf course maps from all over the world. The other option I know of is just an Apple Watch with something like V1 Game or Arccos. Difference being that while with the Apple Watch you’ll get more overall functionality, you’ll also be paying for more services Vs Garmin which pretty much gives you everything in the watch. Best of luck, and hoping someone can give you better info.
I really enjoy that you are giving clear verdicts. Through this, the differences come out better and help make a decision. I am considering the Apple watch due to its more precise sensors and sleep analytics. As all the stats like Body Battery hinge on the nightly recovery, it's essential to measure those precisely, which is hit or miss with Garmin and way better with Apple. Contrast that with battery life and the abysmal touchscreen experience with the Apple watch. Sadly, there's no middle ground thanks to Garmin not importing sleep data from Apple Health. The only app importing all the Apple watch metrics is Withings, which offers another perspective on the data collected in a Garmin-like format. Thanks for the comprehensive and focused video.
Thanks for the kind words. You’re right that there’s no middle ground. The best you can do is work on importing data from one to the other, and as far as I know, the only way to import data from Apple Health into Garmin is manually. (I believe you can export Apple Health data as a CSV and manually import it into Garmin that way.)
More precise sensors on the Ultra? I disagree: - starting a run we need to wait between 4 and 7 minutes before having the heart beats -more dramatic is the number of steps which is 15% lower than the reality. The reason is because if you don’t move your arm during walk, the Ultra does not count steps!
I use garmin instinct for tracking my walk distance and notifications of text messages. I saw the ultra in person and want it bad, though ive had a few garmin watches and the experience has been pretty good with them . When I wake up in the morning and check my watch it is hard to read in low light even with backlight on...I will be making the switch to the epix or ultra soon.
The Epix has a really great screen, and if you like the Instinct, you'll probably love the Epix. The Ultra is very different, so if you go that route, just be prepared. Best of luck! (Side note, I really miss that Garmin morning report and the widgets view.)
As I’ve been using the AWU more and more, I still don’t disagree with this. But I do like some of the apps on WatchOS enough that I can train my brain to be inspired, so there’s that.
I love how people are different. You mentioned the Garmin inspires you to get exercise. For me, it's the opposite. Closing those darn rings forces me to get up and be active and exercise, and I just do not get the same thing from my Garmin. This is the primary reason I decided to go with my AW, it just helps me to meet my goals better than the Garmin.
I think you have to see it more in a sports context, not just to get you motivated to hit your daily step goal. The Garmin will take all health statistics and combine that with my sports goals and targets. It will tell me when an how I need to train, it will track my progression and adjust training based on my progress. It will give me feedback if I train to much aerobic or anaerobic. The only thing I have to do is wear the watch and tell it what goal to achieve by when.
Hey Nathan, I’m with you 100%: inspiration differs for people, and it’s fantastic we have so many options available! I’m a bit like you: I love my AWU and love closing those 3 rings. But with Garmin, every interaction, every menu, even the way it handles apps, is all designed for athletic performance. Garmin has added an number of smart watch features to make it more of a general purpose device, but its core is definitely geared at the athlete (or people who strive to become athletes).
I do have a love and hate relationship with my apple watch 7, one of the major issues you hit upon was the training and simplication of the garmin app to find the matrix's as Apple is not that friendly. I do Love my apple watch as a smart watch as I do love the driving directions and they have gotten better with the running matrixs now adding power to it. What I really hate about the apple watch is the battery charging EVERY darn day and buying an Ultra for over $700 to get a couple more days of battery life isn't worth it. I'll still continue using my Garmin Fenix 6x pro for my training and using the apple watch as a everyday type of watch. Waiting to see what the Garmin's Fenix 8 in 2024, if it'll bridge the gap between the two ecosystem's.
That’s a good question. I’ve been using the AWU exclusively for a year and have had few complaints other than what you’ve mentioned here (in fact, it may have saved my life, which I might do a video on, but it may be too personal). If Garmin can bridge the gap, switching would be VERY tempting, although I still make too many calls on my watch to abandon Apple entirely.
Great video. I own both, the Apple watch Ultra, and Garmin Epix 2 sapphire edition. I use the Ultra for everyday use, but put my Garmin on for all my training activities, which feels a bit redundant but I like how Garmin tracks mr HRV and my VO2 Max and helps build training plans for me daily. I like the fact that my Ultra has Cellular, so I don't need to bring my phone on runs and hikes. It's a hard place to be in because who wants to wear two watches? But I just can't bring myself to only use one for everything for some reason.. yet.
Agree 100%, though FWIW, I wore both watches for 6 weeks. When I finally took one off, I felt naked for a few days. It was weird how quickly I got not just used to it, but almost dependent on it. (Doing side to side comparisons was always fun, too.)
I have the forerunner 965 and a samsung galaxy watch 6 44mm to. The samsung have 2000 nits amoled display, the forum 1000 nits amoled display. Fun fact, the Garmin forerunner 965 is 100 time easyer to see in direct sunlight then the samsung who have double nits.
For my usage & daily driver garmin enduro 2 left hand & AWU 2 right. I love the garmin body battery and full health metrics 30 days battery health plus my fav 🔦feature love it use it every day 🙌😎 Okay for the AWU 2 difference from others I use the LTE my carrier is at&t comes in handy everyday never miss a notification reminds me I’m due for my meds monitors my heart since doctor also did recommend so been able to send data does help. If there’s one big issue it will be 🙄battery life 3/4 days 😅 good in enough but for the price yh typical Apple
I reeeeally thought about just keeping both and using one on each wrist it for those same reasons. Couldn’t justify the cost, though. I’ve loved my AWU, but the battery life has gotten worse, so I’m really starting to miss that Garmin battery more and more.
Garmin sells an afford ($130) GPS automotive unit, that’s why it’s never going to be on the watch. If I remember correctly they actually backed off the automotive GPS business some years ago since most cars have it standard nowadays.
You’re probably right. Still, even simple Google Maps/Apple Maps integration would have been welcome, and given the watch more “smartwatch” features. I suspect most people just use their phones for turn-by-turn directions these days, but having a quick buzz on the watch with the next turn has definitely helped me while driving.
@@NorbReviews I think Garmin can pull off a full fledged smartwatch with all the Apple-esque features. But hope they don’t try and roll it over to the Fenix/Epix/Enduro/Forerunner as it might turn out the same as RIM trying to make Blackberry an iPhone without a top down OS re-write. I’d be happy with a LTE Fenix or Epix
@@DannyPimienta I’d like to see integration with my phone like the Venu 2 Plus on my Epix2. I have to say I was a little disappointed when I learned the new ECG app won’t work on the Epix2. But I love the Epix2. And battery life is great in gesture mode. I have to wonder what the battery hit would be with an LTE Epix2.
I’ve come to a similar conclusion. I’ve got a Fenix 6X Sapphire that’s still covering most of my fitness needs. So thinking of now getting the Ultra and just adding Athlytic to get the sleep and HRV insights
@@krisvanaut because of the smart watch side of things. The Apple Watch is much better in that regard. What I really want is for the Apple Watch Ultra and Epix 2 to have a baby 😂😂
I don’t think that will happen. Will take a lot for apple to allow third party products to integrate with their IPhone. If our regulations don’t force them to open up I don’t think they will do.
@@aerobrain2001 till decemberI had the fenix 6s. Was in the market for an upgrade. Idd gues was in a similar situation as you are. Ended up buying a Garmin because of 3 things (1) its top end line, where you can get a real luxury / exclusive watch (2) combined with powerful sport features, and (3) I like the Garmin connect app. That said, I hope Garmin will in the future release a watch with LTE functionality so you can take a phone call directly from the watch. That would close the gap 100% for me. From apple perspective… Apples baby, would have to be a bit more premium that the AW ultra and have all the sports goodies Garmin has :-)
I’ve thought about it, and I may, but right now I don’t have plans for this. Although I’m a writer by profession, I spend too much of my day in meetings, so quiet chiclet keys are my preference. (I usually use a Logotech K860, though if I go mechanical again, I’m really interested in the Keychron K4 Pro Browns.)
@@TheZanshen Curiously, my company has just started a free wellness program that includes a Garmin! I have to use it for 45 days minimum so I'll get to try both. Interesting!
Yep…after spending 600 euros on an Apple watch, I learned that fitness tracking software has to be "rented" on top of it. I begin to think maybe Apple purposely left out these options, so they can make money on top of what they already charged me for the watch. I need a good alternative.
I mean, you’re not wrong: Apple’s incentive is to create a good platform. The problem is that the majority of fitness apps seem now to be subscriptions rather than single-fee apps. And given Apple’s cut, I can imagine there’s no incentive to dissuade anyone from this. Maybe sell the Ultra, and get an older Apple Watch + Garmin? Gives you all the fitness and the features without the fees, for potentially about the same price as the AWU.
Heh. I knew someone would call this out. The answer is no, but thanks for your concern! While I DO have a heart conduction issue (long-term, not AFib, and well cared for by a cardiologist), that day I was doing sprints: 30 seconds on, minute off. (Basically HIIT.) This was the peak heart rate, not something I maintained. For that workout, I had recently moved between sea level and >5,000ft above, AND I’d hit a slight hill, so my heart rate went slightly higher than I was initially targeting. Still, this targeting this is WHY I called out the disparity between devices: if you’re targeting your top end, you want to be accurate. Both of these are accurate enough, but nothing beats a chest strap. (Side note: I didn’t go into heart rate zones, but Apple’s seem weird to me and run high. Makes Zone 2 training difficult when “zone 2” on Apple is basically zone 3 and even 4 everywhere else. Luckily, other apps like Athlytic don’t follow suit.) Still, this is part of why I called out the Garmin altitude acclimation feature: It’s not just a novelty. But it made for a very graphic example, so I mentioned it.
Keep in mind at this point Apple has no incentive to include those functions in their watch when there are third-party offers. Remember they take a huge cut from all those third-party developers. They're making money anyway. Does it make sense for them to have to set up entire teams of r&d to make their own apps when they can just rely on third party that do all the work while Apple is still getting a huge cut. All those third party apps that you mention are all reliant on the Apple store so they're not going anywhere. They can all b**** and moan as much as they want about the cut but the fact is they have no other options and the Apple store is their bread and butter and lifeline. All wild apple is double dipping.
Oh, I’m well aware. Apple clearly focused on the minimum viable product, as companies do. But when comparing the two side by side, this definitely needs to be called out, since it makes a huge difference in the way someone experiences the product. It’s not my job to make justifications for why Apple does a thing, I just give people my experience as a user and they can decide from there.
The apple watch is a lifestyle and smart watch. Garmin, Polar, and Suunto are dedicated sports watches that excel in that area. If you're out doing sports and are serious about fitness, you sure as heck aren't going to be answering your phone or replying to messages. Focus = performance.
So for years I used my Apple Watch Series 6 everyday and kept my Garmin Fenix 5 plus for runs and workouts.. With the Ultra I thought I'd be able to finally combine the 2 and be ok training with that.. It's a great watch for the battery life alone as I don't mind charging it every other day or so but it still felt like something was missing after running with it that sent me back to the same ol routine with my Fenix... I missed the specific training points that all show in the Garmin app which outlines how I ran and not just the fact that I did. I believe that's the key difference between the 2 that you pointed out and its greatly appreciated .. The Apple Watch is a great tracker if you're only interested in staying active but for training you'll either need to purchase an additional app or subscribe to something else for the additional data.. I'd rather have it all wrapped in one package... Looking for a second hand Epix now because if I spend $1000 on yet another watch I'll also need a divorce... Cheers
Agreed. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if I decide to get an Epix again (or a Fenix), especially if I can find a good second-hand one. But I’m trying to make the AWU work for now: apps are definitely less expensive than another device, at least in the short term.
One of my biggest gripes was the accuracy of Garmin. I did literally the same you did here but almost all of last year (AW7 and Epix then AWU and Epix) since the Epix is all day HR I didn’t know they use a low accuracy mode for the lights all day unless it’s an activity or you open the heart rate widget. This meant that sometimes I would see my HR at around 100-120 knowing/feeling/and manually testing I was around 75-85bpm. Once I would open the heart rate widget it would plummet from 120 to the actual 75-85 bpm. Because of that ALL the other metrics are not as accurate which affects Training readiness, recovery, stress, body battery. Everything! I loved my Epix but ended up with AW as the measurements were always spot on, albeit not 24/7.
Awesome, review!! Thank you!
This does not happen on my Garmin. My out of activity heart rate readings are accurate and don't contain any spikes like I assume you are referring to.
@@Fozzee.1970 interesting! I’ve had 7XSS, Custom Raw titanium Epix, SS Epix, Carbón Grey Epix, regular 7 haha you get the idea. And I always noticed the HR would be off often unless I opened the widget. I thought it was something I was doing wrong but I tried every possible scenario to mitigate the off HR but nothing
@@MigRx when you look at the widget what does your heart rate history look like out of activity? For example I finished an activity 3 hours ago and my heart rate has been stable since showijg expected readings.
@@Fozzee.1970 it’s constant but higher than my actual heart rate usually. I noticed it read higher when I stand and walk let’s say. Almost like a delayed reading. However if I’m sitting and I move a lot and physically feel my HR being higher, it still won’t show anything past my resting HR. Let’s say I get out of my car when I arrive home, I’ll walk to my house and readings say 110-115 yet I can test right away with my fingers and the beats are around 70ish. If I open the heart rate widget then the HR sharply drops to reflect my actual HR in the moment
@@MigRx and does the widget show the higher rate in the history?
I have tactix 7 pro ballistic edition it’s my best friend all time and every day ❤
Super analysiert! Ich hatte beide Uhren und wollte der Apple Watch wirklich eine Chance geben, aber, für mich, kann sie einfach nichts. Sie musste gehen und die Epix ist geblieben.
(Ich antworte mit Google Translate. Tut mir leid, wenn sich das komisch anhört.) Vielen Dank für die freundlichen Worte! The Epix ist eine fantastische Wahl, und ich habe tatsächlich 2 Enden gedreht, darunter eines, in dem ich mich für Epix entschieden habe, weil ich mich bis zu diesem Tag nicht entschieden habe. Ehrlich gesagt, der einzige Grund, warum ich nicht beide behalten habe, waren die Kosten. Ich teste die Apps, um zu sehen, ob sie so gut sind wie das, was Garmin anbietet. manche sind es, die meisten nicht. Aber ich werde vielleicht nachgeben und für meine Fitnesssachen zu Epix zurückkehren. (oder zumindest der Garmin Instinct 2).
I have both. Apple Watch is nothing but bigger then all the other Apple Watches. For running or walking it is great having cellular on your wrist and not having to bring a phone is a free feeling. However, when ever I go outside into the woods or anywhere I need mapping and tracking off road I bring the epix. The epix is a much more focused watch on outdoor adventure and tracking in all areas.
I agree, though the AWU also includes a better battery, better build, features for divers, and at least one extra safety feature (the siren), so there’s more than just size.
As for hiking, Mapping using WorkOutDoors has worked well for me, but it’s definitely no Garmin: I have yet to see anything that good on a watch. Still, at $6, it may be the best value in the App Store.
That is a major reason I still have my Epix2. I do a lot off off roading, camping, "overlanding" and when camping I love to go on long hikes, I have a lot more faith in my Garmin for those knowing I have maps and can accurately get back if I wasn't paying attention for a bit of time... it's like a safety net.
@@UrbanArmed oh, you are DEFINITELY Garmin’s target audience!
@@NorbReviews They got me.. hook line and sinker hahahah
I switched for Epix 2 from Apple because I needed a 100% a smart watch :) AppleWatch is great Notification Center on the wrist, yes I could disable them, yes you can run witch, plus many yes. After using all AW since series 3 switching to Epix 2 become great experience, I do mostly walking and bike -OMG! First time to understand logic how to set & navigate was a challenge :) but this about inspiration I was looking for a long time, challenge to understand menu, philosophy behind Apple and garmin ecosystem. I found your review inspirational for those who already chose and those who didn’t as you said - buy 2 watches :) this is something my girl friend advised me :) thanks for great video 😊
Thank you for the kind words, and I’m happy you liked it! Truthfully, although I selected one… I’m about this close to getting the other again, because I really enjoyed both!
I have both as well and the epix pro gen 2 is the one I wear the most. The AWU is a great smart watch, but in the backcountry it drops signal fast and the maps aren't great, plus you have to pre load them. The battery life isn't even close.
Spot on.
I am looking for a good smart watch with all the options....must have good golf feature also and the other health monitoring....plus good day to day watch for steps / distance etc.........curious on your recommendation or anyone else with some advice.....cheers all from Canada
Hey, VernonGolfer. Hopefully someone can chime in and help. Unfortunately, golf is not my game, and the best I can do is point you toward the Garmin Approach. It’s got all the features of a Garmin plus preloaded golf course maps from all over the world.
The other option I know of is just an Apple Watch with something like V1 Game or Arccos. Difference being that while with the Apple Watch you’ll get more overall functionality, you’ll also be paying for more services Vs Garmin which pretty much gives you everything in the watch.
Best of luck, and hoping someone can give you better info.
I really enjoy that you are giving clear verdicts. Through this, the differences come out better and help make a decision. I am considering the Apple watch due to its more precise sensors and sleep analytics. As all the stats like Body Battery hinge on the nightly recovery, it's essential to measure those precisely, which is hit or miss with Garmin and way better with Apple. Contrast that with battery life and the abysmal touchscreen experience with the Apple watch. Sadly, there's no middle ground thanks to Garmin not importing sleep data from Apple Health. The only app importing all the Apple watch metrics is Withings, which offers another perspective on the data collected in a Garmin-like format. Thanks for the comprehensive and focused video.
Thanks for the kind words.
You’re right that there’s no middle ground. The best you can do is work on importing data from one to the other, and as far as I know, the only way to import data from Apple Health into Garmin is manually. (I believe you can export Apple Health data as a CSV and manually import it into Garmin that way.)
More precise sensors on the Ultra? I disagree:
- starting a run we need to wait between 4 and 7 minutes before having the heart beats
-more dramatic is the number of steps which is 15% lower than the reality. The reason is because if you don’t move your arm during walk, the Ultra does not count steps!
I use garmin instinct for tracking my walk distance and notifications of text messages. I saw the ultra in person and want it bad, though ive had a few garmin watches and the experience has been pretty good with them . When I wake up in the morning and check my watch it is hard to read in low light even with backlight on...I will be making the switch to the epix or ultra soon.
The Epix has a really great screen, and if you like the Instinct, you'll probably love the Epix. The Ultra is very different, so if you go that route, just be prepared. Best of luck!
(Side note, I really miss that Garmin morning report and the widgets view.)
The apple watch ultra will inspire you to go to starbucks... while the garmin will inspire you to be become an ultrarunner...
As I’ve been using the AWU more and more, I still don’t disagree with this. But I do like some of the apps on WatchOS enough that I can train my brain to be inspired, so there’s that.
Garmin all the way for me.
It’s a fantastic choice!
I love how people are different. You mentioned the Garmin inspires you to get exercise. For me, it's the opposite. Closing those darn rings forces me to get up and be active and exercise, and I just do not get the same thing from my Garmin. This is the primary reason I decided to go with my AW, it just helps me to meet my goals better than the Garmin.
I think you have to see it more in a sports context, not just to get you motivated to hit your daily step goal. The Garmin will take all health statistics and combine that with my sports goals and targets. It will tell me when an how I need to train, it will track my progression and adjust training based on my progress. It will give me feedback if I train to much aerobic or anaerobic. The only thing I have to do is wear the watch and tell it what goal to achieve by when.
Hey Nathan,
I’m with you 100%: inspiration differs for people, and it’s fantastic we have so many options available! I’m a bit like you: I love my AWU and love closing those 3 rings. But with Garmin, every interaction, every menu, even the way it handles apps, is all designed for athletic performance. Garmin has added an number of smart watch features to make it more of a general purpose device, but its core is definitely geared at the athlete (or people who strive to become athletes).
Yep, closing those rings can be addicting and it does get me up off the couch
I do have a love and hate relationship with my apple watch 7, one of the major issues you hit upon was the training and simplication of the garmin app to find the matrix's as Apple is not that friendly. I do Love my apple watch as a smart watch as I do love the driving directions and they have gotten better with the running matrixs now adding power to it. What I really hate about the apple watch is the battery charging EVERY darn day and buying an Ultra for over $700 to get a couple more days of battery life isn't worth it. I'll still continue using my Garmin Fenix 6x pro for my training and using the apple watch as a everyday type of watch. Waiting to see what the Garmin's Fenix 8 in 2024, if it'll bridge the gap between the two ecosystem's.
That’s a good question. I’ve been using the AWU exclusively for a year and have had few complaints other than what you’ve mentioned here (in fact, it may have saved my life, which I might do a video on, but it may be too personal). If Garmin can bridge the gap, switching would be VERY tempting, although I still make too many calls on my watch to abandon Apple entirely.
Great video. I own both, the Apple watch Ultra, and Garmin Epix 2 sapphire edition. I use the Ultra for everyday use, but put my Garmin on for all my training activities, which feels a bit redundant but I like how Garmin tracks mr HRV and my VO2 Max and helps build training plans for me daily. I like the fact that my Ultra has Cellular, so I don't need to bring my phone on runs and hikes. It's a hard place to be in because who wants to wear two watches? But I just can't bring myself to only use one for everything for some reason.. yet.
Agree 100%, though FWIW, I wore both watches for 6 weeks. When I finally took one off, I felt naked for a few days. It was weird how quickly I got not just used to it, but almost dependent on it. (Doing side to side comparisons was always fun, too.)
@@NorbReviews I may wear both for a month and see how it goes, honestly, wearing two isn't that weird but my wife thinks it's weird :)
Informative
Nice review 👏
Thank you!
I created a watch face that shows sleep data. I scroll over to it to check the results in the morning.
Nice! What app did you use to create the face?
@@NorbReviews I used the “modular duo” watch face from the Apple Watch app itself. 👍🏻
@@BrianRouse - Ah, nice! I’ll think play around with it myself! Thanks!
Very good point!
I have the forerunner 965 and a samsung galaxy watch 6 44mm to. The samsung have 2000 nits amoled display, the forum 1000 nits amoled display. Fun fact, the Garmin forerunner 965 is 100 time easyer to see in direct sunlight then the samsung who have double nits.
For my usage & daily driver garmin enduro 2 left hand & AWU 2 right. I love the garmin body battery and full health metrics 30 days battery health plus my fav 🔦feature love it use it every day 🙌😎
Okay for the AWU 2 difference from others I use the LTE my carrier is at&t comes in handy everyday never miss a notification reminds me I’m due for my meds monitors my heart since doctor also did recommend so been able to send data does help. If there’s one big issue it will be 🙄battery life 3/4 days 😅 good in enough but for the price yh typical Apple
I reeeeally thought about just keeping both and using one on each wrist it for those same reasons. Couldn’t justify the cost, though.
I’ve loved my AWU, but the battery life has gotten worse, so I’m really starting to miss that Garmin battery more and more.
Garmin sells an afford ($130) GPS automotive unit, that’s why it’s never going to be on the watch. If I remember correctly they actually backed off the automotive GPS business some years ago since most cars have it standard nowadays.
You’re probably right. Still, even simple Google Maps/Apple Maps integration would have been welcome, and given the watch more “smartwatch” features. I suspect most people just use their phones for turn-by-turn directions these days, but having a quick buzz on the watch with the next turn has definitely helped me while driving.
@@NorbReviews I hated it when my apple watch would do the turn by turn. All I could think was…there goes my battery 🤣
@@DannyPimienta - LOL. Completely fair.
@@NorbReviews I think Garmin can pull off a full fledged smartwatch with all the Apple-esque features. But hope they don’t try and roll it over to the Fenix/Epix/Enduro/Forerunner as it might turn out the same as RIM trying to make Blackberry an iPhone without a top down OS re-write. I’d be happy with a LTE Fenix or Epix
@@DannyPimienta
I’d like to see integration with my phone like the Venu 2 Plus on my Epix2. I have to say I was a little disappointed when I learned the new ECG app won’t work on the Epix2. But I love the Epix2. And battery life is great in gesture mode.
I have to wonder what the battery hit would be with an LTE Epix2.
I’ve come to a similar conclusion. I’ve got a Fenix 6X Sapphire that’s still covering most of my fitness needs. So thinking of now getting the Ultra and just adding Athlytic to get the sleep and HRV insights
Why not stick to a Garmin?
@@krisvanaut because of the smart watch side of things. The Apple Watch is much better in that regard. What I really want is for the Apple Watch Ultra and Epix 2 to have a baby 😂😂
I don’t think that will happen. Will take a lot for apple to allow third party products to integrate with their IPhone. If our regulations don’t force them to open up I don’t think they will do.
@@krisvanaut oh yeah, I’m not remotely hopeful it’ll actually happen. But just keep thinking what an awesome watch it’d be!
@@aerobrain2001 till decemberI had the fenix 6s. Was in the market for an upgrade. Idd gues was in a similar situation as you are. Ended up buying a Garmin because of 3 things (1) its top end line, where you can get a real luxury / exclusive watch (2) combined with powerful sport features, and (3) I like the Garmin connect app. That said, I hope Garmin will in the future release a watch with LTE functionality so you can take a phone call directly from the watch. That would close the gap 100% for me. From apple perspective… Apples baby, would have to be a bit more premium that the AW ultra and have all the sports goodies Garmin has :-)
Additional non-watch question. Will you ever start reviewing mechanical keyboards? I think I've developed a problem. ;-)
I’ve thought about it, and I may, but right now I don’t have plans for this. Although I’m a writer by profession, I spend too much of my day in meetings, so quiet chiclet keys are my preference. (I usually use a Logotech K860, though if I go mechanical again, I’m really interested in the Keychron K4 Pro Browns.)
I don't have an iPhone, so no apple watch for me.
Heart question aside, great review! I'll be sticking with Apple when it comes time to upgrade my Series 7.
Thanks for the kind words (and concern). And great choice!
I switched from AW 7 to garmin epix 2 and no regrets.
@@TheZanshen Curiously, my company has just started a free wellness program that includes a Garmin! I have to use it for 45 days minimum so I'll get to try both. Interesting!
Yep…after spending 600 euros on an Apple watch, I learned that fitness tracking software has to be "rented" on top of it. I begin to think maybe Apple purposely left out these options, so they can make money on top of what they already charged me for the watch. I need a good alternative.
I mean, you’re not wrong: Apple’s incentive is to create a good platform. The problem is that the majority of fitness apps seem now to be subscriptions rather than single-fee apps. And given Apple’s cut, I can imagine there’s no incentive to dissuade anyone from this.
Maybe sell the Ultra, and get an older Apple Watch + Garmin? Gives you all the fitness and the features without the fees, for potentially about the same price as the AWU.
Dude. Are you in AFib?
Heh. I knew someone would call this out. The answer is no, but thanks for your concern!
While I DO have a heart conduction issue (long-term, not AFib, and well cared for by a cardiologist), that day I was doing sprints: 30 seconds on, minute off. (Basically HIIT.) This was the peak heart rate, not something I maintained.
For that workout, I had recently moved between sea level and >5,000ft above, AND I’d hit a slight hill, so my heart rate went slightly higher than I was initially targeting. Still, this targeting this is WHY I called out the disparity between devices: if you’re targeting your top end, you want to be accurate. Both of these are accurate enough, but nothing beats a chest strap.
(Side note: I didn’t go into heart rate zones, but Apple’s seem weird to me and run high. Makes Zone 2 training difficult when “zone 2” on Apple is basically zone 3 and even 4 everywhere else. Luckily, other apps like Athlytic don’t follow suit.)
Still, this is part of why I called out the Garmin altitude acclimation feature: It’s not just a novelty. But it made for a very graphic example, so I mentioned it.
@@NorbReviews I've got a weird ECG too, so I noticed right away. Glad the ticker is okay!
Keep in mind at this point Apple has no incentive to include those functions in their watch when there are third-party offers. Remember they take a huge cut from all those third-party developers. They're making money anyway. Does it make sense for them to have to set up entire teams of r&d to make their own apps when they can just rely on third party that do all the work while Apple is still getting a huge cut. All those third party apps that you mention are all reliant on the Apple store so they're not going anywhere. They can all b**** and moan as much as they want about the cut but the fact is they have no other options and the Apple store is their bread and butter and lifeline. All wild apple is double dipping.
Oh, I’m well aware. Apple clearly focused on the minimum viable product, as companies do. But when comparing the two side by side, this definitely needs to be called out, since it makes a huge difference in the way someone experiences the product. It’s not my job to make justifications for why Apple does a thing, I just give people my experience as a user and they can decide from there.
The apple watch is a lifestyle and smart watch. Garmin, Polar, and Suunto are dedicated sports watches that excel in that area. If you're out doing sports and are serious about fitness, you sure as heck aren't going to be answering your phone or replying to messages. Focus = performance.